Seven years ago, the Dolphins were seemingly trying to lose. (And, eventually, owner Stephen Ross allegedly offered former coach Brian Flores $100,000 for each game he lost, as Miami tried to get in position to draft Joe Burrow.)
As the 2026 season begins, some in league circles are wondering whether the Dolphins are tanking all over again.
Given the 2019 plan, true or not, it’s tempting to think the Dolphins plan to let nature take its course. The better view may be that they’re simply trying to craft a batch of chicken salad from a rancid pile of poultry poo.
The aftermath of the Tua Tagovailoa contract will wreak havoc on the 2026 (and 2027) salary cap, with $55.4 million counting this year for a guy who is no longer there. In all, Miami is carrying nearly $183 million in dead money.
They paid quarterback Malik Willis (three years, $67.5 million). They didn’t trade running back De’Von Achane (and they paid him, too). They’ve cleared out the players who were part of the problem in recent years, and they’re building around those who are deemed to be on board with the new culture.
While they may lose plenty of games, they’re laying the foundation for the future. Yes, the present may not be promising. But they’re not trying to lose; they’re trying to put the mess created by the last regime behind them.
Even if it may take a while to get there.
That said, Sunday’s opener could be one of the best opportunities they have to conjure a victory this season.
